Clinton and District Community Forest passes audit

VICTORIA – An audit of the Clinton and District Community Forest in the 100 Mile House Natural Resource District has found nearly all activities in compliance with British Columbia’s forestry legislation.

The audit examined forestry activities carried out between September 2017 and September 2019 to see if they met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act.

During this period, the community forest harvested approximately 63,000 cubic metres of timber in 17 cutblocks, 70% of which was salvage of timber damaged by the Elephant Hill Wildfire.

“The community forest worked closely with government staff for operations within the Elephant Hill wildfire complex,” said Kevin Kriese, chair, Forest Practices Board. “This ensured planning and activities were consistent with recovery strategies and standards for reforestation and retention endorsed by the Elephant Hill Wildfire Recovery Joint Leadership Council in 2018.”

The community forest constructed 31.7 kilometres and maintained 48.4 kilometres of road, planted cutblocks and conducted fire hazard abatement activities following logging.

The audit found the community forest had not documented fire-hazard assessments. Since the audit, a formal hazard assessment procedure that meets legal requirements has been developed.

The Forest Practices Board is B.C.’s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government. The board audits forest and range practices on public lands and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

Contact:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899